Deja vu for R.B. Hunt 3rd grade teacher

LORRAINE THOMPSON

Sunday

May 29, 2011 at 12:52 AM

Donna Six Aunchman remembers vividly sitting in Martha Spencer's third grade classroom at R.B. Hunt Elementary School back in 1963. How could she not remember -- since she now teaches third grade in that same classroom?

But what's even more memory-provoking is the fact that Spencer's granddaughter, Ryleigh Spencer, is a current member of that third grade class.

"I've also taught Ryleigh's sister and brother, Ean and Rhiannon, but in different classrooms," Aunchman said. The children's parents are Rachelle and Ed Spencer.

R.B. Hunt principal Don Steele said that in addition to the coincidences, Aunchman is the kind of teacher who gets the most out of her students. "She's inspiring. Born to teach," he said. "I'm sure when her students become adults they will look back on teacher Aunchman as someone who made a real difference in their lives."

Aunchman, who was named R. B. Hunt's 2010-11 Teacher of the Year, has taught for 26 years and said she continues to love teaching. While teaching at Osceola Elementary School she was named the District Teacher of the Year for 1991-92.

"I began my internship here at R.B. Hunt in 1976 with Gwen Reichert and Linda Young as my directing teachers, who I might say, poured their knowledge and love for children into me. They gave me an incredible foundation for teaching and a love for my profession that has inspired me for the past 35 years," she said.

"Just like all the teachers I've had the pleasure of teaching with, it's not just a job. It's a gift and the love of making a difference in the lives of the children we teach," she added.

R.B. Hunt Elementary School, the only public school located on Anastasia Island, is now in its 56th year.

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